5.2 – Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

  • Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, with input from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

  • Adopted July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress.

  • Three key parts:

    1. Natural Rights: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

    2. List of Grievances: Complaints against King George III (taxes, dissolving legislatures, standing armies, etc.).

    3. Formal Declaration: Stating that the colonies were now free and independent states.

  • Based on Enlightenment philosophy, especially John Locke's social contract theory.